Oliva Buckland
Oliva Buckland has been discussing her mental health in the press this week.
The ex-Islander said Love Island producers really looked after her outside the villa.
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True gent. Never forgotten. Forever loved. I’m so sorry. Words fail me. ❤️
Speaking to the Mail Online she said, 'I was in constant contact with the producers for a very long time. I got offered psychological tests when I got out. I got offered counselling when I got out. I got a list of agencies.'
'Honestly, they really did look after me, and Alex. They always checked in with us, and I'm still good friends with them now. They checked in with me about the wedding.
'In my personal opinion, in my experience, I can't say that there is anymore that could have been done for me. But, I did come out with Alex next to me, so that was also a massive support.'
Mike Thalassitis
The topic of Love Island after care was raised in the wake of Mike Thalassitis' death on Friday.
The body of 26-year-old was found near his Essex home.
A number of Love Island cast members took to social media to express concerns at the support they received after the show.
Jack Fowler said, 'I feel like once you're off the TV screen then the support network isn't what it should be.'
— Jack Fowler (@_JackFowler_) 18 March 2019
Dom Lever said, 'You don’t get any support unless you’re number one.'
You get a psychological evaluation before and after you go on the show but hands down once you are done on the show you don’t get any support unless you’re number one
— Dom Lever (@_DomLever) 16 March 2019
Malin Andersson tweeted, 'WAKE UP @LoveIsland.'
WAKE UP @LoveIsland !!!!
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) 16 March 2019
I got flowers from the producers when my daughter died. No fucking phone call. No support, or help.
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) 16 March 2019
Nothing when my mum died. Nothing when Sophie died. Change needs to happen.
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) 16 March 2019
If I didn’t have a strong head on me that my mum passed down to me, I wouldn’t have been able to cope with this all. But not everyone is like this. PLEASE IF YOU FEEL ALONE, OR SAD, OR STUCK REACH OUT TO SOMEBODY!
— Malin Andersson (@MissMalinSara) 16 March 2019
Other reality stars have been weighing in on the issue too.
Lauryn Goodman said, 'TOO many are dying from reality shows'
@LoveIsland @ITVBe @itv2 Before anymore TV auditions there needs to be compulsory mental health support put in place. Not just "we have support there if you need." TOO many are dying from reality shows. Time to wake up. Changes need to happen, how many more?
— Lauryn Goodman (@LaurynGoodman) 16 March 2019
ITV2 Statement
ITV2 released two statements following Mike's death.
Initially they said, “Everyone at ITV2 and Love Island are shocked and saddened by this terrible news.”
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mike’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Everyone at ITV2 and Love Island are shocked and saddened by the terrible news about Mike. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/QYkSTlTRvI
— Love Island (@LoveIsland) 17 March 2019
However, following the social media backlash around mental health after care they replied, “Care for our Islanders is a process the show takes very seriously and is a continuous process for all those taking part in the show."
"We ensure that all of our contributors are able to access psychological support before, during and after appearing on the show. The programme will always provide ongoing support when needed and where appropriate."
“We also discuss at length with all of our Islanders, before and after the show, how their lives might change and they have access to support and advice to help with this,” the statement today read."
Mike is the second Love Island contestant to have died in recent months.
Sophie Gradon was found dead in her home in June 2018.
Five days after her funeral her boyfriend Aaron Armstrong was also found dead in a Northumberland property.
